The Prettiest Fall Senior Picture Locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana

senior portraits

A high school teen wearing a long green sleeveless dress and boots smiles as she runs through trees during golden hour in the fall

It’s no secret that fall is THE most popular season of year for senior pictures, so I’m sharing the prettiest fall senior picture locations in Louisville (and Southern Indiana) with you!

This blog post will tell you everything from the best time of year for fall colors to my favorite spots in Louisville and Southern Indiana. These outdoor, nature-inspired locations show off the oranges, yellows, and deep reds of the season.

In most parts of Louisville and Southern Indiana, the last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November are the best for fall foliage. Depending on the year, sometimes those fall leaves hang on until mid to late November. To be on the safe side, schedule your session by the second week of November so the trees still have leaves on them. Location definitely matters, if you’re in a place like Red River Gorge or further north in Indiana, the leaves turn earlier than they do in Louisville.

P.S. Fall is peak season for photographers, so schedule your session by mid-September or all your favorite photographers will be booked up for the best dates!

My top 3 favorite locations for fall senior pictures in or near Louisville are: St. James Court, Cherokee Park, and Tioga Falls. Keep scrolling for images in each location from past fall senior sessions!

St. James Court and nearby Central Park have a historic feel that reminds me of Central Park in NYC. This is a must-see location in Louisville, and definitely one of my favorites for senior pictures in the fall! What I love about this area is that there are so many unique spots, so no two sessions look alike.

Highlights: St. James Court Fountain, the Central Park pillars, and gingko trees

Cherokee Park is another local favorite for fall senior pictures, with “Dog Hill” being a guaranteed spot for beautiful trees and colorful leaves in the background of your pictures. There are also plenty of winding paths that are scenic to walk through, and the occasional late wildflower bloom.

Highlights: Colorful maple leaves, scenic background, late wildflowers

Tioga Falls is a 40 minute drive outside of Louisville and involves a short hike, but it’s well worth it if you want to be immersed in a colorful forest and see a waterfall! This is the perfect fall senior picture location for adventurous grads.

A collage with images of a Black high school senior in a plaid fall coat. Yellow leaves fall around her as she stands in front of a scenic waterfall.
Tioga Falls

George Rogers Park, Tyler Park, and Big Rock Creek are some other favorites of mine in the fall that are in different areas of Louisville. For other options further out, Jefferson Memorial Forest, Cumberland Falls, Bernheim Forest, and Red River Gorge boast some of the best foliage opportunities in Kentucky!

In Southern Indiana, there are plenty of nearby options for fall senior portraits that are right across the bridge from Louisville.

Mount St. Francis is THE number one requested spot for Indiana seniors in the fall, with good reason. With a variety of fall backdrops including tall, dried grass, rows of pine trees, and a scenic row of fall trees by the lake. I always renew my permit annually because the sunsets and fall colors here are unbelievable!

One of my personal favorite fall locations is Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, which has foliage and is also right by the water. When the water level is low and you can walk out on the fossil beds, it’s magical – golden hour here is stunning!

A girl in a purple top and jeans sits on top of a rocky coastline during golden hour
Falls of the Ohio

Mansion 1886 is a historic mansion in the quiet part of Downtown New Albany. It’s maroon, brick, and black exterior make it a perfect fall senior picture location! The brick walkway, elegant lamp posts and painted white fence add a sophisticated look to your photos.

Culbertson Mansion, Charlestown State Park, Clifty Falls, Spring Mills State Park are other places I’d love to go for your fall senior session!

Ready to book a fall session before the dates fill up? Click here to learn more about the Senior Portrait Experience and get in touch about available dates!

Looking for more fall inspiration? Check out my Fall Senior Outfit Pinterest board here.

If you liked this blog post, you’re going to love these:

The best outdoor photo locations for Louisville senior pictures

When to find wildflowers in Louisville from spring to fall

A smiling photographer holds a camera in her hand

Johanna Hribal is a color-obsessed senior photographer for fun-loving grads in Louisville and Southern Indiana! Want to book a senior portrait session with Frames and Letters Photography? Follow me on Instagram @framesandlettersphotography and visit my website to start planning your dream senior experience!

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